A ship carrying the first batch of 500 Tojoy cars left China for Brazil on December 28. It was the first time the state-owned Chinese automaker has shipped cars to South America's largest market.

Another 4,000 Tojoys are due to be shipped to Brazil over the next two months, JAC said in a statement. Brazilian auto dealer SHC Group will distribute the cars in Brazil.

Unlike the version sold in China, the Tojoy sold in Brazil runs on ethanol fuel. Fitted with a 1.3- or 1.5-liter Mitsubishi engine, the Tojoy is 4,155 mm long, 1,650 mm wide and 1,445 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,410 mm.

JAC didn't disclose the price of the Tojoy to be sold in Brazil. The gasoline powered version sold in China has a starting price of 49,800 yuan ($7,545).

JAC, located in the city of Hefei in east China's Anhui province, produces passenger vehicles and trucks. In the first 11 months of 2010, it sold 369,400 cars and light commercial vehicles, according to J.D. Power.

The only Chinese automaker currently selling passenger vehicles in Brazil is Chery Automobile Co. In Brazil, Chery sells its Tiggo SUV as well as the S12 and A3 small cars through more than 50 franchised sales outlets.

Other domestic Chinese automakers such as Great Wall Motor Co. are also considering exports to Brazil.

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